Data visualization is an invaluable asset in qualitative and mixed-methods research, allowing researchers to explore connections in their data, refine analyses, and effectively communicate findings. The data display tools not only illustrate patterns and relationships but also provide interactive links to the underlying qualitative data, enabling you to delve deeper into your analysis. Below is a closer look at five powerful charts in Dedoose and how they can enhance your research process.

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1. Code Co-Occurrence Chart

The Code Co-Occurrence Chart is a heatmap-style visualization that tracks intersections between two codes. It highlights the frequency of co-occurrences using color intensity, with darker shades indicating higher overlaps. This chart is instrumental in identifying connections, themes, or areas where codes may need refinement.

Key Features:

• Spot Patterns: Highlight relationships between themes, revealing broader patterns in your data.

• Interactive Exploration: Click on any intersection (numbered cell) to pull up excerpts coded with both codes.

• Analyze Absences: Gaps where intersections were expected can be just as insightful as areas of overlap.

For instance, selecting a orange cell marked “12” will display all excerpts coded with both “Kids in Program” and “Love/Passion for Sport,” helping researchers refine these categories or identify emerging patterns.

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2. Packed Code Cloud

The Packed Code cloud is an interactive cloud displaying your codes with their frequency represented via the font size. This chart is great to visualize the most prominent codes or themes in your project and is often incorporated into live presentations.  

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Key Features:  

• Customize the Code Count: Select the “sub-code count” box in the upper right to gain a more top-level, thematic view of your coding.  

• Filter out Codes: You can choose which codes will populate in the chart by going to the “Data Sets” workspace and selecting the Codes tab to isolate specific codes.

• Switch the Layout: Choose between various colors and display settings to match your presentation style.

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3. Code x Descriptor Chart

The Code x Descriptor Chart allows researchers to investigate how specific codes align with descriptors such as age, location, or other demographic variables. This customizable chart lets you choose the descriptors and codes you want to explore, offering a clear breakdown of trends within subgroups.

Key Features:

• Customizable View: Use drop-down menus to select descriptors and codes.

• Identify Trends: See how certain themes or concerns are distributed across demographic groups.

• Normalize: Normalize the excerpt count to view your descriptor field for an ‘apples to apples’ comparison. This is helpful if you have one descriptor field that was overrepresented in the dataset.

For example, disaggregating by "Age" might show that older participants younger participants have different reasons for not continuing the program than older participants, offering valuable insights into subgroup experiences.

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4. Descriptor x Code Grid Chart

The Descriptor x Code Grid Chart visualizes relationships between any descriptor fields of your choice and any codes of your choice. This is especially useful when asking specific questions of your data in which you want to hone in on specific areas of your study.

Key Features:

• Immediate Analysis: Ideal for analyzing relationships or patterns between a select group of codes and descriptor fields, such as disaggregating your qualitative themes by survey data or demographic data. As you make your data selections, the chart will begin to populate immediately, displaying the frequency of excerpts disaggregated by the descriptor field(s) of your choice.  

• Flexible Design: Tailor the chart to focus on the variables most relevant to your study.

• Intersectional Analysis: Add multiple descriptor fields to understand the relationships between various demographics or categories.  

This chart is a go-to tool for summarizing and analyzing demographic data in a structured, visually intuitive format.

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5. Descriptor Ratios Chart

The Descriptor Ratios Chart provides an overview of descriptor categories, such as sample demographics or Likert scale responses. It’s an excellent choice for summarizing and presenting quantitative elements in mixed-methods research.

Key Features:

• Clear Demographics: Generate visual summaries of your sample population.

• Exportable Visuals: Use these charts in reports or presentations to illustrate participant characteristics. Export one chart or the whole set.  

Whether showcasing sample diversity or visualizing survey responses, this chart simplifies complex descriptor data into accessible visuals.

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Access the Qualitative Data Behind Each Chart

The real strength of Dedoose lies in its interactivity. Each chart connects directly to the underlying data, enabling researchers to drill down into specific excerpts and validate their findings. Additionally, filtering and isolating subsets of data make it possible to create focused charts that align with specific research questions or hypotheses.

Tips for Effective Use:

• Engage Critically: Go beyond code counts to interrogate the meaning behind patterns.

• Memo Your Insights: Use memos to document observations and refine your analysis.

• Iterate and Refine: Revisit charts as your understanding of the data evolves.

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The array of data visualizations bridges the gap between qualitative depth and analytic clarity. By leveraging these tools, researchers can uncover deeper insights, refine their coding schemes, and communicate findings in impactful ways.  

For comprehensive instruction and support related to visualizing and communicating qualitative and mixed methods findings, view the Institute for Mixed Methods Research’s BYOD (Bring Your Own Data) Research Camp. Two weeks of the camp are dedicated to visualizing findings, crafting your story, and communicating your findings. Each attendee receives 2 free months of Dedoose.

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